Elderly Patients

• You have probably noticed that the population is ageing and the average life expectancy is on the rise.
• As a dentist, you should address the special needs of the elderly population and come up with strategies to make sure that you are equipped to care for the elderly patients that you will encounter.
• The industry of geriatric dentistry is changing fast.
• More and more elderly patients are retaining their original teeth and require an abundance of complex preventative strategies and restorative procedures.
• Because of this growing trend, the need for continual training to learn how to meet the needs of the elderly with a high level of expertise is becoming more and more necessary.
• Providing dental care for elderly patients requires more knowledge and skills that general dentistry. Training should include experience is recognising and administering oral health medication, the impact of various medications on oral health as well as experience in making clinical decisions for the elderly.

Disabled Patients

Some patients have medical conditions or disabilities that may require more time, care or special equipment to administer proper oral health care treatment.

• As a dentist to special needs patients, you can offer alternative treatment, such as the use of general anesthesia or sedation.
• This type of dental practice is best for handicapped children, patients with learning disabilities, or other impairments that make it hard to sit still for very long.
• If your patients are unable to make it all the way to your office for a visit, you may consider including home care as an option for your disabled patients.
• It is important to always be aware of all medications that your patients are taking to avoid any dangerous reactions or complications.
• Be sure to find out the name of your patient’s doctor, so you will be able to contact him or her for a consultation if required.
• Additional training may be required for dentists who wish to administer treatment to disabled or special needs patients.

Remember – Happy and Satisfied patients are the best mascot and clients you can ever have and you will get a great deal of happiness out of performing a good service for your patients.